Good traffic management is all about balancing the legitimate needs of various users, particularly pedestrians and drivers. And so there are good reasons for why rules are in place. One practical result of speed limits for cars and motorcycles is that drivers have enough time to react to other vehicles, and to stop at traffic lights. Road lanes also play an important role in enabling safe driving. But somehow, the principle that speed matters seems to be lost on some users of bicycles and personal mobility devices (PMDs) when they share footpaths with pedestrians. These powered or motorised vehicles are not innocent objects just because they are lighter than cars and motorcycles. Their weight, combined with the speed at which they can travel, does make them a danger to riders and pedestrians in the event of collisions.

Psychologically, though, while no one would argue against stringent speed limits for vehicles on the road, there appears to be insufficient recognition of the dangers posed by powered bicycles and PMDs. This attitude needs to change.